Sightseeing Tours in Chicago
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Reviews about activities in Chicago
Overall rating
11 ratings 3 reviews
javier
August 2022
A must if you have kids
The Lego exhibit was outstanding
My kids also enjoyed the flight simulator on the second floor.
The area around global warming was also very good .
I highly recommend the movie
Anonym
August 2025
Stop 10 didn’t work. I was also disappointed the at couple of stops were just giving directions. I understood the need but I would prefer they be labeled “next stop” or something similar. One of the stops took us west away from the art museum and all the way back from the next stop. Good .
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Best Chicago Sightseeing Tours
Discover the vibrant heart of the Windy City with the top Sightseeing Tours in Chicago. Unveil history, architecture, and local secrets at your own pace.
Chicago Must-See In-App Audio Tour: Exploring Highlights & Hidden Gems
What is it?
A comprehensive tour revealing Chicago's history and its architectural marvels.
Why you should go?
Dive into the essence of Chicago with an in-depth in-app audio tour that spans Grant Park to Navy Pier. This tour is perfect for both newcomers and history aficionados, offering a journey through iconic landmarks like Willis Tower while uncovering the city’s rich narrative from the Great Fire to its triumph over adversity. Discover hidden alleys and lesser-known facts of this architectural gem and immerse in the 1893 World's Fair legacy, revealing how Chicago's innovation reshapes its present and future.
Gangsters and Ghosts of Chicago: Plunging into the Dark History of the Vice City
What is it?
An audio tour unraveling the spooky and scandalous past of Chicago.
Why you should go?
Step into the shadowy corners of Chicago's past on this spine-tingling audio tour. Journey through the Loop, exploring hideouts of famed gangsters like Al Capone and haunted locales such as Congress Plaza Hotel. Learn about gripping events, from the Eastland disaster to the St. Valentine's Day Massacre, with stops at significant sites like the Du Sable Bridge and the Biograph Theater. It's an immersive experience into the underbelly of Chicago's glamorous and grim history.
Urban Chicago: Walking Along the Iconic Historic Sites and Stunning Skyline
What is it?
An exploration of Chicago's architectural grandeur and historic landmarks.
Why you should go?
Witness Chicago's marriage of culture, beauty, and history in this inviting audio tour. Start at the iconic Michigan Avenue Bridge and meander through grand sights including the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Chicago Cultural Center. Unearth the tales behind the city's magnificent edifices, like the Merchandise Mart and the Reliance Building. Unveil unique stories around every corner and gaze upon the largest Tiffany glass dome while discovering urban Chicago's soul.
Lights, Camera, Action: Discovering Chicago Through Iconic Movie Scenes
What is it?
An audio tour showcasing famous Chicago locations seen in films.
Why you should go?
Embark on a cinematic tour through Chicago, walking in the footsteps of movie legends. From the expansive Union Station to the heights of Willis Tower, experience the city as seen through the director's lens. Famous filming spots like the Daley Plaza and its Picasso sculpture await you. Stroll by the Chicago Theater, marvel at unique architecture, and conclude your journey relaxing at Downtown Docks. This tour is a must-do for film enthusiasts and explorers alike.
Museum of Science and Industry In-App Audio Tour (Without a Ticket)
What is it?
A tour focusing on the wonders of science at one of the biggest museums.
Why you should go?
Explore groundbreaking innovations at the Museum of Science and Industry with this engaging audio tour. Revel in the marvels of the Pioneer Zephyr Train, feel the power of natural phenomena, and inspect a real submarine. Discover innovations, from genetics to the mysteries of the human body, all while getting an intimate look at the history and future of science. A wonderland for the curious mind, this tour offers a fascinating insight without the need for a museum ticket.
Art Institute of Chicago In-App Audio Tour (Without a Ticket)
What is it?
An in-depth exploration of art from antiquity to modernity without a museum ticket.
Why you should go?
Delve into a world-class art collection spanning continents and centuries at your own pace. Journey from ancient artifacts to the heights of Impressionism, guided by riveting narration. The Art Institute’s treasures are narrated, transporting you from the art of ancient civilizations to the modern masters. Be enthralled by Van Gogh’s strokes and Picasso's genius. Venture outdoors to the Bluhm Family Terrace for breathtaking city views that enrich this unparalleled artistic experience.
Chicago Graceland Cemetery In-App Audio Tour: Oasis of Art and Architecture
What is it?
A historical audio tour through the art-filled landscaped grounds of Graceland Cemetery.
Why you should go?
Explore tranquil paths where Chicago's history meets art within this storied cemetery. Discover exquisite monuments and vaults, embracing the city's architectural essence. This tour breathes life into the stone and stories of Chicago’s luminaries like Burnham and Sullivan. Graceland isn't merely a cemetery; it's a serene, park-like realm where echoes of the past meet architectural artistry—truly an oasis amidst urban bustle.
Millennium Park in Chicago: Exploring Top Attractions With Their Starchitects
What is it?
Walk amidst innovative architecture and interactive art installations in Millennium Park.
Why you should go?
Experience the pinnacle of modern design and engineering at Millennium Park. Audio insights from the visionary creators themselves highlight the park’s wonders, from environmentally friendly pavilions to the resonant Pritzker Pavilion. Traverse the BP Bridge's sinuous path and rest in the serene Lurie Garden. Culminate this experience with a splash of whimsy at the Crown Fountain, making this tour an inspirational foray into Chicago’s vibrant public art scene.
Uncover Mysteries: Gold Coast Self-Guided Audio Tour
What is it?
A historical audio promenade unveiling the affluence and enigmas of the Gold Coast.
Why you should go?
Slip into the elegance of yesteryear with this audio tour of the opulent Gold Coast. Amy Bizzarri guides you through verdant parks and across cobblestone lanes, revealing a treasure trove of stories behind the mansions and mausoleums. From the famed Playboy Mansion to the melodies of Chicago's oldest piano bar, this tour is a gateway to the grandeur and mysteries nestled in one of the city's most affluent districts.
Explore Chicago's Classics: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of The Loop
What is it?
An immersive journey threading through the iconic landmarks and history of The Loop.
Why you should go?
Embark on this auditory odyssey across the heart of Chicago, where each step narrates a story. Trace the heritage of the Chicago Theatre, revel in the buzzing Route 66 origin, and the enduring elegance of the Palmer House. As the 'L' train rumbles above, immerse in the city's rhythm while the tour acquaints you with the Loop's undying spirit, accentuated by historical anecdotes and architectural splendor.
Uncover Hidden Tales: 19th Century Chicago In-App Audio Tour
What is it?
An immersive audio tour spotlighting Chicago’s murky past before the era of Al Capone.
Why you should go?
Traverse the grounds where 19th-century rogues roamed and shaped Chicago’s early days of disorder. From the infamous Sands district to the tragic tales of the city’s first police officer, this audio guide leads you through alleyways and arches echoing with the drama of lore and lawlessness. Highlights include sites infamous for gambling, riots, and the whispers of secret societies. It's a historic adventure for those eager to dig deeper into Chicago's dark heart.
Discover Hidden Gems: Chicago In-App Audio Tour
What is it?
A captivating stroll through Chicago’s under-the-radar marvels, from Streeterville to the Magnificent Mile.
Why you should go?
Unearth the enchanting side of Chicago, delving into tales of maritime wrecks and bygone skirmishes along the Lakefront Trail. This tour offers a rich tapestry of local lore, guiding you from the storied Water Tower to the sculpted shores of Oak Street Beach. Immerse in a narrative that spans from historical battlegrounds to high-rise feats, breathing in the city’s diverse cultural heritage with every step along the Magnificent Mile’s pulse.
Explore Hidden Gems: River North Self-Guided Audio Tour
What is it?
An exploratory audio tour unraveling River North’s culinary, artistic, and sporting history.
Why you should go?
Dive into the essence of River North's eclectic charm from the origins of deep-dish pizza to innovative art. Traversing between beloved eateries and iconic structures like the Redhead Piano Bar, this guide curates an experience laden with flavors, melodies, and tales. Discover sports history etched on La Salle Street, and cherished Americana at the Ohio House Motel. Quirky shops and famous murals offer insights into the spirited urban tableau of Chicago’s vibrant neighborhood.
Explore Chicago's Roaring Twenties: In-App Audio Tour
What is it?
An audio journey back to the Prohibition era’s Chicago, filled with jazz and gangster lore.
Why you should go?
Channel the spirit of the Roaring Twenties as you meander through Chicago's former vice districts and haunts of the notorious. This tour revives the decadence and danger of the jazz age, visiting the stomping grounds of figures like Capone and the Everleigh Sisters. Relive the revelry of the Levee district, imagine the clink of glasses in speakeasies, and feel the tension of the ganglands. It’s a time capsule of Chicago’s most flamboyant and felonious era, offering sobering reflections and evocative thrills.
Discover Chicago's Heart: A Self-Guided Audio Tour
What is it?
An audio exploration merging architecture, art, and theater in Chicago’s bustling downtown.
Why you should go?
Step into the centerpiece of Chicago’s cultural and architectural majesty with this engaging audio tour. From the Art Institute to the gleaming sidewalks of the Theater District, unravel the narratives and marvels that line the city’s famed streets. Reflect beside the tranquil waters beneath Cloud Gate, bask in the limelight of the Chicago Theatre, and embrace the romance of Route 66. This journey is an homage to the city's storied past and pulsating present, orchestrated for the inquisitive urban adventurer.
TOP-5 most rated Sightseeing Tours in Chicago
- Chicago Must-See In-App Audio Tour: Discover Chicago's landmarks, history, and architecture, from Grant Park to Navy Pier, including Willis Tower and Millennium Park.
- Gangsters and Ghosts of Chicago: Explore Chicago's notorious past with this audio tour around Loop, visiting former gangster hangouts and haunted sites.
- Urban Chicago: Immerse yourself in Chicago's rich history and astonishing architecture, starting at the iconic Michigan Avenue Bridge, towards the Cultural Center.
- Lights, Camera, Action: For film buffs, this tour showcases movie scene locations, starting at Union Station and including the Willis Tower and iconic Cloud Gate.
- Museum of Science and Industry In-App Audio Tour: Enjoy an insightful excursion into science and industry's future, from the Pioneer Zephyr Train to natural phenomena.
TOP-5 new Sightseeing Tours in Chicago for experienced tourists
- The "Chicago Must-See In-App Audio Tour" delights with a blend of famous spots like Willis Tower and hidden historic gems, perfect for all, from new visitors to history buffs.
- "Gangsters and Ghosts of Chicago" provokes intrigue with tales of notorious figures like Al Capone, set against the backdrop of Chicago's most haunted locales.
- "Urban Chicago" entices with its focus on iconic city architecture and storytelling that paints a vivid picture of Chicago's pioneering spirit and rich cultural history.
- "Lights, Camera, Action" invites movie enthusiasts to walk through Chicago's cinematic past, exploring iconic film locations and the city's renowned skyline.
- "Museum of Science and Industry In-App Audio Tour" inspires with a journey through science's future, showcasing exhibits that span from historic trains to natural disasters.
FAQ
Among the best Sightseeing Tours in Chicago are the Chicago Must-See In-App Audio Tour, the Gangsters and Ghosts of Chicago tour, the Urban Chicago tour, the Lights, Camera, Action film location tour, and the Museum of Science and Industry tour. Each tour offers unique insights into the city's history, architecture, and culture.
Beyond sightseeing tours, visitors can explore Chicago's world-class museums like The Field Museum and Shedd Aquarium, attend shows at the Chicago Symphony Center and Broadway in Chicago, relax in Millennium Park, or enjoy the food scene, from deep-dish pizza to gourmet dining.
Sightseeing tours in Chicago vary in length. Most walking tours take between 1 to 3 hours, while full-day tours can last up to 6 hours or more, allowing visitors to experience a comprehensive view of Chicago's many attractions at a relaxed pace.
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